Abuja, Nigeria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian leader in 17 years, has set the stage for a robust revival of bilateral ties. Wide-ranging talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on November 17 focused on strengthening the strategic partnership across defense, trade, agriculture, and energy, while jointly addressing challenges like terrorism and the aspirations of the Global South. “This visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in our ties,” Mr. Modi said during the delegation-level talks in Abuja. “There is immense scope for our relations to flourish further, particularly in defense, energy, technology, trade, health, and education.”
Strengthening Strategic Bonds
The two leaders began their engagement with a private one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks. Their discussions centered on building a stronger strategic partnership, with a shared resolve to combat terrorism, piracy, and radicalization. Amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against Boko Haram, Mr. Modi emphasized the importance of joint efforts to counter terrorism in all its forms. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored the importance of this shared focus, stating, “India and Nigeria’s collaboration on security is not only vital for their bilateral partnership but also serves as a model for addressing transnational threats in the region.” Mr. Modi also offered India’s expertise in renewable energy, agriculture, and digital transformation, emphasizing their potential to contribute to Nigeria’s development. He highlighted India’s low-cost developmental solutions and experience in mechanized farming, hybrid seeds, and food security. President Tinubu appreciated India’s ongoing support, including its development cooperation partnership, which has fostered local capacity and skills in Nigeria. He praised Indian companies for their investments totaling $27 billion and their role as major job creators in Nigeria. India also announced the dispatch of 20 tons of humanitarian aid to assist those affected by recent floods in Nigeria. “We are committed to standing by our Nigerian friends in times of need,” Mr. Modi said, extending condolences on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.
Focus on Global South Aspirations
A key highlight of the discussions was the mutual commitment to championing the interests of developing nations. President Tinubu acknowledged India’s leadership in amplifying the voice of the Global South, particularly through initiatives like the Voice of the Global South Summits and the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency. “The partnership between India and Nigeria exemplifies the potential of Global South collaboration,” Mr. Modi remarked. The MEA echoed this sentiment, noting, “Both leaders expressed a shared vision to advance the Global South agenda, particularly in addressing climate change, ensuring equitable development, and amplifying the voice of developing nations on global platforms.” PM Modi also extended an invitation for Nigeria to join India-led green initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, to further sustainable development goals.
Economic and Defense Cooperation
Trade and investment featured prominently in the talks, with both sides exploring ways to enhance economic ties. Mr. Modi highlighted India’s strengths in affordable medicines, transportation, and digital public infrastructure, offering them as solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges. Defense cooperation was another focal point, with the leaders reaffirming their commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s security through capacity-building initiatives and joint efforts against organized crime and insurgency. The signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on cultural exchange, customs cooperation, and survey collaboration added momentum to the discussions, underscoring a shared vision for deeper bilateral engagement.
A National Honor for Modi
The visit reached a ceremonial peak when President Tinubu conferred Nigeria’s highest national honour, the “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger,” on Mr. Modi for his statesmanship and contributions to strengthening India-Nigeria relations. Accepting the award, Mr. Modi dedicated it to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations. “This is not just my honour but a recognition of the centuries-old ties between India and Nigeria,” Mr. Modi said. The award citation praised his transformative leadership in positioning India as a global powerhouse and fostering unity and peace.
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